MX2013001958A

MX2013001958A - Soil additives for promoting seed germination and prevention of evaporation and methods for using the same.

Info

Publication number: MX2013001958A
Application number: MX2013001958A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Jean-Christophe Castaing; Zhiyun Chen; Galder Cristobal; Pascal Metivier; Pengfei Ji
Original assignee: Rhodia China Co Ltd
Priority date: 2010-08-20
Filing date: 2011-04-26
Publication date: 2013-10-28
Also published as: MY162907A; AU2011291337A1; EA201390159A1; UA113836C2; EP2606100B1; MX347207B; US9096793B2; ES2890928T3; EA024542B1; EP2606100A4; US20180362846A1; CN105567241A; CN105567241B; AU2016200237A1; EP3461874B1; WO2012022164A1; US20180037816A1; EP2606100A1; US10087369B2; AU2011291337B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods of improving germination rates of plants or crops, and of preventing or arresting water evaporation loss from targeted soil areas by use of soil additives, which allow for improved water utilization by crops, plants, grasses, vegetation, etc.

Description

SOIL ADDITIVES TO PROMOTE SEED GERMINATION AND EVAPORATION PREVENTION, AND METHODS FOR USING THEM Field of the Invention This invention relates to soil additives and, in particular, to soil additives useful in the promotion of seed germination, yield of plants and crops, as well as in the prevention of evaporation and / or drainage and methods for use.

Background of the Invention Water scarcity is a major constraint for human and agricultural development. Approximately 70% of the fresh water consumed is directed towards agricultural-related use, for example as irrigation water, which in turn represents approximately 90% of agricultural use. As the demand for fresh water through agricultural development as well as human development increases, more effective uses of water are becoming necessary. This need is even more pronounced in view of the growing shortage of fresh water. Consequently, there is a growing need for an improved and more efficient utilization of fresh water.

Some of the water used in agriculture is lost through evaporation, infiltration, drainage and water runoff. The one that remains can be absorbed by the plants, pastures and trees, which are used for the production of harvest The effective use of water in agriculture does not only have a considerable ecological impact, but also has an impact on agricultural economies since there is a direct correlation between the amount of water available for the plants and their yield. If, instead of losing water, the water is confined to the root level of the plant for a longer time, there will be a direct impact on crop production and yield. Also, in critical conditions in terms of water availability and temperatures, an optimized use of water can assure the crop of complete destruction and loss of harvest.

In addition, the availability of water around the time of or during germination of seed is desirable since the germination phase is a very important phase of the growth of a plant or crop. The life cycle of any plant can be divided into different phases and seed germination is a basic stage to start the growth of a plant. The seeds are dried frequently and need significant amounts of water, in relation to the dry weight of the seed, before it can occur / resume cell metabolism and growth. A variety of abiotic stimuli, including light, temperature and nitrates, provide information about the external environment that affects germination. The proper amounts of water, oxygen and temperature can make it easier for the seed to germinate. Also, the internal mechanisms and the chemical promoter / inhibitor influence germination and germination rate.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved soil additive that can retard or stop the rate of evaporation of soils, for example predominantly clay containing soils or soils located in high temperature or high wind areas. This, in turn, helps provide improved water utilization by plants and pastures. There is also a need for a soil additive that is useful in the promotion of seed germination, as well as the promotion of plant and crop yields.

Brief Description of the Invention The invention relates to methods for improving the yield of crops, as well as agricultural and horticultural plants, shrubs, trees and grasses (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "plants"). Targeted applications include agricultural uses to increase the yield of crops or plants or to secure the crop or plant in very hostile areas (non-irrigated areas, hot to hot climates, windy areas, little precipitation or combination of these). Targeted markets include but are not limited to: agriculture for non-irrigated crops (including but not limited to wheat, cotton, etc.); agriculture for irrigated crops (including but not limited to plants based on horticulture); arboriculture, forestry and gardening; golf courses; sports and parks grass; planting additive for plant nurseries; and fruits, among others. The methods described herein are capable of increasing agricultural yield, horticultural yield and / or yield of crops or plants in a target soil area.

In one aspect, a claimed mode is a method for increasing the yield of the crop by decreasing the evaporation of water from the soil, the method comprising: mixing a volume additive in a targeted soil area; and contacting a top layer of the targeted soil area with a surface additive. In some embodiments, the soil is clayey soil characterized by a mean particle diameter (D50) of less than or equal to about 50 and m, or equal to about 45 and in other embodiments, or equal to about 35 and in other embodiments, or less than or equal to about 25 and m, or equal to about 10 and m in other embodiments, or less than or equal to about 5 and m in other embodiments.

In another aspect, a modality is a method for increase the yield of the crop by decreasing the evaporation of water from the soil, the method comprising contacting an upper layer of a directed soil area with a surface additive, whereby the surface additive forms a layer on top ground. In some embodiments, the soil additive forms a semi-permeable layer, membrane or bark in the upper part of the soil. The additive is characterized by increased resistance to washing such as rain, irrigation, etc.

In another aspect, methods for improving the germination rates of a plant or crop are described herein by applying or contacting a surface additive to a targeted soil area in which a plant or crop seed is planted. In one embodiment, the directed floor area is under stressed conditions. Such stressed conditions include but are not limited to stressed or water-restricted conditions, drought conditions, extreme or prolonged temperature such as extreme or prolonged heat or cold, strong or extreme wind conditions and the like. An additional embodiment includes the additional step of contacting a seed on or within the directed soil area. The seed can be any plant or seed of useful or known crop. The seeds used herein may be of any crop or plant, including but not limited to species of the genus Asparagus, Atropa, Oats, Brassica, Citrus, Citrullus, Capsicum, Cucumis, Cucurbita, Daucus, Fragaria, Glycine, Gossypium, Helianthus, Hordeum, Hyoscyamus, Heterocallis, Lactuca, Linum, Lolium, Lycopersicon, Malus, ajorana, Manihot , Medicago, Nicotiana, Oryza, Panieum, Pannesetum, Persea, Pisum, Pyrus, Prunus, Raphanus, Sécale, Senecio, Sinapis, Solanum, Sorghum, Trigonella, Triticum, Vitis, Vigna and, Zea. In a particular embodiment, the cultivation seed includes Brassica rapa, Brassica chinensis and Brassica pekinensis. In yet another aspect, methods for improving the performance of the plant or crop are described herein, by applying or contacting a surface additive to a directed soil area in which a plant seed or crop seed is planted. .

Germination is a critical event in the life cycle of the plant, since the synchronization of appearance of the protective seed coat is crucial for survival and reproductive success. Breaking the lethargy barrier of the seed is the key in this phase. A promoter of germination in agriculture has a large influence on harvest time. The fastest kinetics correspond to the shortest time for crops to mature, which allows farmers or producers to reduce harvest time and increase the crop cycle. A Higher germination rate provides more crops of the given seeds that result in higher yield.

In one embodiment, the step of contacting the upper layer of the soil may take the form of spraying an aqueous mixture containing a surface additive into the soil. In one embodiment, an aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a ratio of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 200 kg of surface additive per hectare. In another embodiment, an aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a ratio of or equivalent to less than 150 kg of surface additive per hectare. In yet another embodiment, the aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a ratio of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than about 125 kg of surface additive per hectare. In another embodiment, the aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a rate of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 100 kg of surface additive per hectare. In further embodiments, the aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a ratio of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 90 kg of surface additive per hectare. In still additional embodiments, the aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a proportion of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 85 kg of surface additive per hectare, less than 75 kg of surface additive per hectare, less than 50 kg of surface additive per hectare, less than 35 kg of surface additive per hectare, less than 25 kg of surface additive per hectare or less than 20 kg of surface additive per hectare. In some embodiments, the aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a ratio of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 15 kg of surface additive per hectare. In other embodiments, the aqueous mixture is sprayed into the soil at a ratio of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 10 kg of surface additive per hectare.

In one embodiment, the surface additive is selected from polyacrylamide, poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylic acid), polyacrylate, poly (ethylene glycol), polymers terminated at the phosphonate end, polyethylene oxide, poly (vinyl alcohol), polyglycerol, polytetrahydrofuran, polyamide, guar, unwashed guar gum, washed guar gum, cationic guar, carboxymethyl guar (guar CM), hydroxyethyl guar (guar HE), hydroxypropyl guar (guar HP), carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar (guar CMHP) ), cationic guar, hydrophobically modified guar (guar HM), hydrophobically modified carboxymethyl guar (guar HMCM), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl guar (guar H HE guar), hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar (guar H HP), hydrophobically modified cationic hydroxypropyl guar (cationic HMHP guar), hydrophobically modified carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (guar HMCMHP), hydrophobically modified cationic guar (cationic HM guar), guar of hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, hydroxypropyl guar guar of hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, starch, corn, wheat, rice, potatoes, tapioca, waxy maize, sorghum, waxy sorghum, sajo, dextrin, chitin, chitosan, alginate compositions, xanthan gum, carrageenan gum, cassia gum, tamarind gum, cationic cellulose, cationic polycarilamide, cationic starch, karaya gum, gum arabic, pectin, cellulose, hydroxycellulose, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, a derivative of any of the foregoing or a combination of any of the foregoing.

In one embodiment, the surface additive is selected from the group consisting of guar, hydroxypropyl guar gum, carboxymethyl guar gum, carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar gum and a combination of any of the foregoing. In another embodiment, the surface additive is selected from guar of hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, hydroxypropyl guar guar of hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride or a combination of both.

The volume additive and / or surface additive may be in an aqueous mixture, or in a dry or semi-dry form such as, for example, granules. It is understood that semi-dry means that the volume additives contain less than 15% moisture or water, while in some semi-dry modes it means that the volume additives contain less than 10% moisture or water, while in others modalities the volume additives contain less than 8% moisture or water (or solvent), while in additional modalities the volume additives contain less than 5% moisture or water, while in other embodiments the volume additives contain less that 3% moisture or water, still in other modalities volume additives contain less than 2% moisture or water, while in still other additional modalities the volume additives contain less than 1% moisture or water, while in alternative modalities volume additives contain less than 0.5% moisture or water, while in other modalities volume additives contain less than 0.1% moisture or water.

In one embodiment, the volume additive is selected from the group consisting of guar gum, guar gum, derivative including but not limited to cationic guar gum, polyacrylamide, poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylic acid), polyacrylate, poly (ethylene glycol), polymers terminated at the phosphonate end, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycerol, polytetrahydrofuran , polyamide, a derivative of any of the foregoing and a combination of any of the foregoing. Typically, the volume additive is poly (acrylic acid).

In another aspect, the surface additive or volume additive is a polymer according to the formula: where n is an integer from 1 to 1000; wherein Ri comprises one or more phosphonate groups, silicate groups, siloxane groups, phosphate groups, phosphinate groups or any combination thereof; R2-R3 can be individually hydrogen, or a linear or cyclic Ci-C6 hydrocarbon, branched with or without heteroatom; M + can be any suitable counterion or a hydrogen; where "D" is absent or represents a linear or branched C1-C5 hydrocarbon group, a C1-C5 alkoxy group, oxy group, (-0-), iminyl (- ?? -), or substituted iminyl (-NR-), wherein R is a C1-C6 alkyl, a Ci-C6 alkoxy, a hydroxylalkyl of 0? -06, a C1-C6 alkoxyalkyl or a Ci-C6 alkylalkoxy. In another mode, n is an integer from 1 to 5000. In another mode, n is an integer from 1 to 1000. In yet another mode, n is an integer from 10 to 3000. In a further mode, n is an integer from 40 to 750.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a graph illustrating the surface treatment when spraying the aqueous mixture of the surface additive.

Fig. 2 is a graph showing the results of the evaporation rate (time to reach 1% by weight of the remaining water) as a function of the spray time (from a 0.1% solution of the surface additive).

Fig. 3 is a graph illustrating the evaporation rate of the respective volume and surface additives as a function of the water content (%).

Fig. 4 is a graph illustrating the evaporation rate (mg / s / cm2) as a function of the water content (%).

Fig. 5 is a graph illustrating water absorption for different volume additives in washed Shanxi soil.

Fig. 6 is a graph illustrating the initial water absorption for different volume additives in unwashed Shanxi soil.

Fig. 7 illustrates the impact of the volume additives to the evaporation kinetics in washed soils (Shanxi soils), where the evaporation time is the time necessary to reach 1% by weight of the remaining water.

Fig. 8 illustrates the impact of the volume additives to the kinetics of evaporation in the unwashed soil (Shanxi soil), where the evaporation time is the time necessary to reach 1% by weight of the remaining water.

Fig. 9 is a graph illustrating the resistance of a soil additive to multiple wash cycles.

Fig. 10 is a graph showing the second-round greenhouse germination study.

Fig. 11 is a graph showing the performance of different additives in the germination rates of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis).

Fig. 12 is a graph showing the germination rates of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis) under irrigation condition 2 (WC2) as a function of days.

Fig. 13 is a graph showing the germination rates of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis) under irrigation condition 3 (WC3) as a function of days.

Fig. 14 is a graph showing the rates of germination of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis) under irrigation condition 4 (WC4) as a function of days.

Fig. 15 is a graph showing the fourth-round natural condition germination study.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to additives which are useful for improving the germination rates of plants and crops comprising contacting, before or during stressed conditions with water, a top layer of a targeted soil area with a surface additive. , by which the surface additive forms a layer in the targeted soil area. The present invention relates to additives that are used to limit the loss of water by evaporation (i.e. evaporation control). Many of the known methods and additives for controlling water loss differ from the presently claimed invention in that their main focus is on limiting water loss by drainage (i.e., drainage control).

However, such methods are fundamentally different than those of the methods described herein, since the mechanisms for preventing water loss are different in these cases. However, it is understood that controlling water loss (and thus increasing plant / crop yield in a managed soil) although a control combination can be used of evaporation and control of drainage.

Water loss can be attributed to transpiration, evaporation or runoff through drainage channels in the soil. Many of the known methods that prevent the loss of water through drainage are correlated to the nature of the directed soils and as well as local climatic conditions. For example, arable and arable land in the United States are predominantly of the sand type. However, in China and Southeast Asia, the lands are mainly clay type. Clay soils generally have a different soil structure than sand soils as the average particle size of clay soils, and thus the pore size is smaller. Generally, clay soils have a mean particle diameter (D50) of less than 50 microns. Typically, clay soils have a mean particle diameter (D5o) of about or less than 25 microns. More typically, clay soils have an average particle diameter of about or less than 5 microns. On the contrary, sand soil is generally characterized by round grains with particle sizes ranging from 100 micrometers to 2000 micrometers. There are other differences between sand, clay, as well as other types of soil, as is generally described below.

Sand Soils: Generally, sandy soils have a sandy texture and are formed of worn-out rocks such as limestone, quartz, granite and shale. Sand soils may contain enough substantial organic matter, which makes them relatively easy to grow. Sandy soils, however, are prone to over-drainage and dehydration and may have problems retaining moisture and nutrients.

Soil Soil: Generally, silty soil is considered to be among the most fertile soils. The silty soil is generally composed of minerals (predominantly quartz) and fine organic particles, and has more nutrients than the sandy soil that offers good drainage. When it dries it takes place to a smooth texture and looks like dark sand. Its weak soil structure means that it is easy to work with moisture and retains moisture as well.

Clay soil (or clayey soil): When clay soils are moist they are usually sticky, lumpy and flexible but when dried they usually form hard clots. Clay soils are composed of very fine particles with few air spaces, so they are hard to work with and often drain poorly - they are also prone to spring flooding. Blue or gray clays have poor aeration and should be loosened to support healthy growth. The red color on the clay soil indicates good aeration and a "loose" soil that is also drained. Since clay contains high levels of nutrients, plants grow well if drainage is adequate.

Peat Soil: Peat soil generally contains more organic material than other soils because its acidity inhibits the decomposition process. This type of soil contains few nutrients than many other soils and is prone to over water retention.

Clay Soil: Generally, clay soils are a combination of approximately 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. Clay soils can vary from easily worked fertile soils full of organic matter, to densely packed sod. Generally, draining still retains moisture and is rich in nutrients.

Soil Limestone: The limestone soils are generally alkaline and may contain a variety of different sized stones. These types of soil can dry quickly and have a tendency to block minor elements such as iron and manganese. This can cause poor growth and yellowing of the leaves, since the nutrients are not generally available to the plants. The limestone soil is generally considered as poor quality, needing substantial addition of fertilizers and other soil improvers.

Since the pore size, or the distance between two adjacent particles is smaller in, for example, clay soils compared to sandy soils, the loss of water when draining is less of a concern. In clay soils, the loss of water through runoff or, in particular, evaporation is more worrying, as some crops are adapted to be cultivated in water beds. This difference in the type of soil (eg, clay vs. sand) is the primary reason because in many countries in Asia, for example, countries in South China and Southeast Asia, it is possible to grow rice, which is grown in the water beds.

Generally, soils that are only permeable slightly or moderately permeable to water are required to harvest such water tolerant crops, including rice. The types of soil needed to grow rice or water-tolerant plants are the types that naturally block water drainage, that is, minimum water loss when draining. However, rice is not feasible in North America because, as explained above, the type of soil is sand and not clay. In this way, unlike the United States and North America type soils, the limitation of water loss' by evaporation is the main concern in clay soils as can be found, for example, in many parts of Asia. (In the United States and North America, the loss of water through drainage or runoff is more of a concern than the loss of evaporation). However, it is understood that evaporation loss is not limited only to clay soils, but also to other soil types, especially when considering all factors such as local climate, altitude, humidity, as well as the type of soil. soil and stratification of different types of soil that can affect the predominant type of water loss. Other types of soil in this way may have problems with evaporation and include but are not limited to sandy soils, peat soils, silty soils, limestone soils, clay soils or any combination.

One or more methods for contacting or mixing different additives on and / or within soils are described herein to typically retard the water evaporation kinetics of the targeted soil area (i.e., a floor area where the user you want to apply the application / system / methods described here). Different types of soils can be targeted, including but not limited to clay soils, sandy soils, peat soils, silty soils, limestone soils and clay soils, in which there is a desire to retard the kinetics of evaporation. As will become apparent from the following detailed description, some embodiments comprise methods that utilize soil additives that are easy to synthesize and in some embodiments, resist degradation or otherwise are highly stabilized.

One embodiment comprises two application treatments in or on the floor, one that is a surface treatment that uses a surface additive, the other that is a volume treatment that uses a volume additive. In one embodiment, both the surface treatment and the volume treatment are applied to the targeted floor area, either concurrently or in sequence with each other. In some cases, the volume and surface treatment approach is able to decrease up to 30% of the evaporation kinetics.

In one embodiment, the application comprises only the surface treatment to the directed floor area. In yet another embodiment, the application comprises only the volume treatment to the directed floor area.

Surface treatment: Surface additives are contacted or applied to the surface of the soil and create a layer that reduces the loss of water from evaporation. The layer, in some embodiments, may be a semi-permeable layer. Typically, the way to contact the surface additive to the surface of the soil is to spray an aqueous solution on the surface of the soil. Without wishing it to be limited by any theory, this layer can be seen as a "crust" that can sufficiently or substantially block the pores of the soil in the vicinity of the surface of the directed soil area. In this way, the evaporation kinetics are impacted by the additive layer on the upper surface of the soil.

In one embodiment, the surface treatments described herein improve the rate of germination of a plant or crop by contacting a surface additive to an upper layer of a targeted soil area. In some embodiments, the surface treatments described herein improve the rate of germination of a plant or crop during stressed conditions with water by contacting, before or during such stressed water conditions, a surface additive to a upper layer of a directed floor area. In this way, the surface additive forms a layer in the targeted floor area. The layer may be, in some embodiments, permeable, semi-permeable. The described method may further include contacting a seed in or within the targeted soil area. In one embodiment, the seed is positioned at a depth of less than 1 mm from the surface of the soil. In another embodiment, the seed is positioned at a depth of less than 2 mm from the floor surface. In another modality, the seed positions at a depth of less than 4 mm of soil surface. In yet another embodiment, the seed is positioned at a depth of less than 5 mm from the soil surface. In yet another embodiment, the seed is positioned at a depth of less than 7 mm from the soil surface.

The seed can be any plant or seed of useful or known crop. In one embodiment, the seed used in the methods described herein falls into one of three categories: (1) ornamentals (such as roses, tulips, etc.), grasses and non-crop seeds; (2) seeds of wide culture and cereal and (3) horticulture and vegetable seeds. In a particular embodiment, the crop seed is selected from the seed of the species or subspecies Brassica rapa, Brassica chinensis and Brassica pekinensis.

In one embodiment, the seed is from the crop or plant species including but not limited to corn (Zea mays), Brassica sp. (for example, B. napus, B. rapa, B. júncea), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), rice (Oryza sativa), rye (Sécale cereale), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum vulgare), millet (for example, millet) pearl (Pennisetum glaucum), millet proso (Panicum miliaceum), millet tail of fox (Setaria italica), finger millet (Eleusine coracana)), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), wheat (Triticum) aestivum), soybean (Glycine max), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), potato (Solanum tuberosum), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), cotton (Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus), cassava (Manihot esculenta), coffee (Cofea spp.), Coco (Cocos nucifera), pineapple (Ananas comosus), citrus trees (Citrus spp.) / Cocoa (Theobroma cacao), tea (Camellia sinensis), banana (Musa spp.), Avocado (Persea americana), fig (Ficus casica), guava (Psidium guajava), mango (Mangifera indica), olive (Olea europaea), papaya (Carica papaya), cashew ( Anacardium occidentale), macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia), almond (Prunus amygdalus), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), sugar cane (Saccharum spp.), Oats, barley, vegetables, ornamentals, woody plants such as conifers and deciduous trees, zucchini, pumpkin, hemp, zucchini, apple, pear, quince, melon, plum, cherry, peach, nectarine, apricot,. strawberry, grape, raspberry, blackberry, soybean, sorghum, sugarcane, rapeseed, clove, carrot and Arabidopsis thaliana.

In one embodiment, the seed is of any plant species including but not limited to tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum), lettuce (for example, Lactuca sativa), green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), lima beans (Phaseolus limensis), peas (Lathyrus spp.), cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, radish, spinach, asparagus, onion, garlic, chili, celery and members of the genus Cucumis such as cucumber (C. sativus), cantaloupe (C. cantalupensis) and yellow melon (C. meló).

In one embodiment, the seed is of any ornamental species including but not limited to hydrangea (Macrophylla hydrangea), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosasanensis), petunias (Petunia hybrid), roses (Rosa spp.), Azalea (Rhododendron spp.), tulips (Tulipa spp.), daffodils (Narcissus spp.), carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and crysantemo.

In one embodiment, the seed is of any conifer species including but not limited to conifer pines such as incense pine (Pinus taeda), pine (Pinus elliotii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), twisted pine (Pinus contorta) and pine onterey (Pinus radiata), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii); Western hemlock (Tsuga canadensis); Sitka spruce (Picea glauca); redwood (Sequoia sempervirens); true firs such as white fir (Abies amabilis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea); and cedars such as Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and Yellow Alaskan Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis).

In one embodiment, the seed is of any kind of legume plant that includes but not limited to beans and peas. Beans include guar, carob, fenugreek, soybeans, beans, cowpeas, mung beans, beans, Lima, fava bean, lentils, chickpea, peas, bean moth, green bean, beans, lentils, dry beans, etc. Legumes include, but are not limited to, Arachis, for example, peanuts, Vicia, for example, crown vera, see hairy, adzuki bean, mungbean and chickpea, Lupines, for example, lupine, trifolio, Phaseolus, eg, bean common and Lima bean, Pisum, for example, field beans, Melilotus, for example, clover, Medicago, for example, alfalfa, Lotus, for example, clover, lens, for example, lentil and false indigo. Grass and grass turf typical for use in the methods described herein include but are not limited to alfalfa, ball grass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, progressive grass, alphafa, meadowsweet, clover, elegant species, lotononis bainessii , esparceta and red superior. Other grass species include barley, wheat, oats, rice, grass, guinea grass, sorghum or grass turf.

In another embodiment, the seed is selected from the following crops or vegetables: corn, wheat, sorghum, soybean, tomato, cauliflower, radish, cabbage, cañola, lettuce, ryegrass, grass, rice, cotton, sunflower and the like.

Stressed conditions with water mean that the targeted soil area is irrigated with less than 2.6mm (10ml) of water for at least a period of 2 days in some modalities, for at least a period of 3 days in other modalities, during at least a period of 4 days in other modalities, during at least a period of 5 days in other modalities, during at least a period of 7 days in other modalities, during at least a period of 9 days. days in other modalities, during at least a period of 10 days in additional modalities, or during at least a period of 20 days in additional modalities. Stressed conditions with water can also mean that the targeted soil area is irrigated through irrigation or natural rain (or a combination of both) for a period of 30 calendar days with less than 52mm of water in one mode, with less than 47mm of water in another modality, with less than 42mm of water in another modality, with less than 37mm of water in yet another modality, with less than 32mm of water in another modality, with less than 27mm of water in yet another modality, with less than 22mm of water in another modality, with less than llmm of water in another modality, with less than 7mm of water in another modality or with less than 3mm of water in yet another modality.

Volume treatment: The additives are introduced into the volume of the soil. In one embodiment, the soil and the additives are mixed together in bulk and the additives block the water from migrating towards the surface of the soil that is susceptible to evaporation. In other words, the place of losing water by draining in a downward direction Covering the pores of the floor, the volume treatment focuses on blocking the transport of water in the upward direction. The volume additives can also retain water that allows subsequent use by the vegetation as the water is removed from the additives via the pressure gradient, capillary flow, etc. Furthermore, without wishing it to be limited by some theory, in some embodiments, the volume additive (eg, cationic guar) can break the capillary bridges in the soil and thus prevent moisture or water from migrating to the surface of the soil. floor.

Supply of soil additives on or in the soils There are several ways in which to apply the soil additives (for example, the volume additive or the surface additive) to the soil.

Typically, the volume additive is applied to or mixed in the soil in a granular form. This is typically done before planting the desired crop, shrub, plant, grass seed or other foliage, even tillage or other methods generally known in the art. In some embodiments, however, the volume additive is applied concurrently with planting the crop, grass seed or other foliage. In other modalities, the volume additive is applied after planting the crop, grass seed, shrub, other foliage, which for example could be 1 days after planting, 1 week or 1 month after planting, or up to 7 months after planting. It is understood that the volume additive can be applied (by itself in connection with the surface additive) to the plant, shrub, grass or soil at different stages of plant growth or life cycle, and is not necessarily limited to the previous implantation or in any given stage of the growth of the plant. This allows the user of the claimed invention to have flexibility in applying the volume additive, which may depend on external factors such as, for example, drought and other climatic conditions.

In some embodiments, the volume additive is applied to or mixed in the soil as an aqueous mixture, where the additive is diluted in water or in an aqueous solution containing other ingredients. For example, in one embodiment, the volume additive is introduced into irrigation water that is applied to the targeted soil area, or crops. Typically, the volume additive is diluted with a significant amount of water or sufficiently cross-linked, such that gelation does not occur. Typically, such aqueous mixtures of flowable volume additives have a viscosity ranging from 1 to 200,000 centipoise.

In other embodiments, the volume additive is applied to or mixed in the soil after the existing vegetation. It is understood that several methods to apply the Soil additives can be used. Some methods include but are not limited to: creating a hole in the ground with pressurized water then introducing the soil additive into the hole with pressurized air; remove small plugs from the ground (for example, aeration of green golf areas) and introduce the soil additive into the hole. Other methods include temporarily cutting and tearing sections of vegetation and blowing or otherwise applying the soil additive to the soil below the vegetation, such as the lawn.

Still other methods also include mixing by applying the soil additive on the surface of the targeted soil area and then mixing or homogenously mixing the targeted soil area, which includes the surface area of the targeted soil to which the soil additive is introduced. . For example, in some embodiments the targeted soil area may include an area of land, for example, 1 hectare of agriculturally viable land, but may also comprise a predetermined depth. In some embodiments, the predetermined depth that is included in the directed soil area may be less than 0.91440 m (3 ft) deep in the ground, in another mode less than 0.60960 m (2 ft) deep in the soil, in another mode less than 45.720 cm (18 inches) deep in the ground, in another mode less than 40.640 cm (16 inches) deep of soil, in another form less than 30,480 cm (12 inches) deep in the soil, in another form less than 22,860 cm (9 inches) deep in the soil, in another form less than 17,780 cm (7 inches) deep in the soil , in another form less than 12,700 cm (5 inches) deep in the ground, in another mode less than 7,6200 cm (3 inches) deep in the ground, in another mode less than 5,0800 cm (2 inches) deep in the ground, or in yet, another mode less than 2.5400 cm (1 inch) deep in the ground.

Mixing can be done in several ways and may include using a plow or tillage. (It is understood that some farmers are equipped with a system that allows the injection to the subsoil of additives (mainly fertilizers) through a hole). Tillage techniques that can be applied to any of the embodiments of the invention as claimed include, but are not limited to, band tillage, padding tillage and rim tillage, and can be used in primary or secondary tillage. Such tillage techniques can be implemented by using one or any combination of equipment including, but not limited to, hoe, shovel, plow, harrow, plow disk, planter, milling machines, subsoiler, pitchfork or bedding, or roller.

Still another method to apply the additives of the Soil to the directed floor area is through molding or spraying. Some techniques may be similar to fertilizer application techniques, including but not limited to volley (distribution over a majority or part of a cultivated field), placement (application in bands or in bags near plants or plant rows) as well as application using low or high volume sprinklers. In some of the modalities referenced in the above, it is believed that the volume additives migrate (typically, in most of the modalities, they remain in the root zone) below the surface of the area of soil directed to be transported by the Water flow path through, for example, rain or irrigation.

Another method includes pre-mixing the volume additive with the soil and then applying the mixture to the surface of the targeted soil area. In one embodiment, the pre-mixed soil forms a layer or sufficiently even one layer over the directed soil area of at least 2.5400 cm (1 inch), or in other embodiments at least 5.0800 cm (2 inches), or in other modalities at least 7,6200 cm (3 inches), or in other modalities at least 10,160 cm (4 inches), or in other modalities at least 40,640 cm (16 inches), or in other modalities at least 20,320 cm ( 8 inches) . This method is similar to the "quilting" techniques where a mixture is placed on a bed, it is say, a directed area, of soil in even or something of a consistent layer.

In a further embodiment, the volume additive is applied to or mixed with a soil area directed to a predetermined depth to form a "volume additive layer". The volume additive layer may be, in some embodiments, at least a 2.5400 cm (1 inch) layer, or in other embodiments at least 5.0800 cm (2 inches) layer, or in other embodiments at least 7.6200 cm (3 inches) of layer, or in other modalities at least 10,160 cm (4 inches) of layer, or in other modalities at least 40,640 cm (16 inches) of layer, or in other modalities at least 20,320 cm ( 8 inches) of layer. After the volume additive is applied to or mixed with a targeted soil area, the "volume additive layer" area is covered with a layer of untreated soil, or soil without the volume additive, to form a free layer. It is believed that, in such modalities, without wishing it to be limited by any theory, the volume additive through the volume additive layer can break the bridges capillary in the soil and thus prevent moisture or water from migrating to the surface of the floor, or to the free layer, of layers in or below the layers of volume additive, due to such disruption or breakage of the capillary bridge.

In another embodiment, the volume additive layer is it creates by subsurface injection of the volume additive to the volume additive layer, such that there is a free layer above such a volume additive layer. In this way, the free layer does not have to be foreign or displaced soil covering the volume additive layer. Instead of, the free layer is untreated soil already present in the targeted area.

In yet another embodiment, the volume additive encapsulates all or a portion of a seed that is planted, or alternatively the volume additive encapsulates all or a portion of a fertilizing fertilizer or granule.

While it is not desired to be related by any theory, it is believed that there are at least two factors that explain the increase in evaporation time when the volume additives are introduced to the soil (eg, non-derived guar, PAANa, starch) : 1) initial water absorption and 2) evaporation kinetics.

Initial water absorption: Volume additives help to absorb and retain more water in the soil as compared to untreated soil without additive. The additives act as sponges because they can hydrate, swell and prevent water from draining.

Evaporation kinetics: It is believed that a second factor related to the increase of the evaporation time of soils is due to the change of the internal structure of the soils, where the humidity in the soil is bad or is thrown away the surface (ie, frontal evaporation) and gets lost by evaporation. The additives can clog some of the pores in the soil, and therefore can delay the transport of water towards frontal evaporation.

In some embodiments, the surface additives are applied to the directed soil area in a flowable manner. Typically, the surface additives are dispersed in water at a concentration of less than 5% by weight (percent by weight). In some embodiments, the surface additives are dispersed in water at a concentration of less than 2% by weight. In some embodiments, the surface additives are dispersed in water at a concentration of less than 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the surface additives are dispersed in water at a concentration of less than 0.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the surface additives are dispersed in water at a concentration of less than 0.4% by weight. In some embodiments, the surface additives are dispersed in water at a concentration of less than 0.3% by weight. In other embodiments, the surface additives are dispersed in water at a concentration of less than 0.1% by weight. The aqueous mixture of surface additive is generally sprayed in the targeted soil area. Irrigation pumps, spray pumps and the like can be used, but any generally known method for applying a liquid or spray on agricultural land can be employed. In some modalities, the aqueous mixture is applied for a time of approximately 4 seconds to the area of directed soil (4s for 0.4% equal to 65kg / ha). In some embodiments, the aqueous mixture is applied for a time equal to or less than 10 seconds to the targeted soil area. In other embodiments, the aqueous mixture is applied for a time equal to or less than 2 seconds to the targeted soil area.

In some embodiments, an aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a range of or at a range equivalent to less than 150 kg of surface additive per hectare. In yet another embodiment, the aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a ratio of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than about 125 kg of surface additive per hectare. In another embodiment, the aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a rate of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 100 kg of surface additive per hectare. In further embodiments, the aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a ratio of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 90 kg of surface additive per hectare. In still further modalities, the mixture water containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a proportion of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 85 _ kg of surface additive per hectare, less than 75 kg of surface additive per hectare, less than 50 kg of surface additive per hectare, less than 35 kg of surface additive per hectare, less than 25 kg of surface additive per hectare or less than 20 kg of surface additive per hectare. In some embodiments, the aqueous mixture containing the surface additive is sprayed in a targeted area of the soil at a ratio of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 15 kg of surface additive per hectare. In other embodiments, the aqueous mixture is sprayed onto the soil at a ratio of, or at a ratio equivalent to, less than 10 kg of surface additive per hectare. In some embodiments, the aqueous mixture comprising a surface additive may contain other ingredients.

It is understood that similar to the volume additive the surface additive may be applied (by itself in connection with the volume additive) to the plant, shrub grass or soil at different stages of plant growth. This allows a user to have flexibility in when applying the surface additive, the desirability of which may depend on external factors such as, for example, example, drought and other climatic conditions.

Suitable compounds as additional ingredients of the aqueous mixture may include compounds used to control agricultural pests and include, for example, herbicides, plant growth regulators, culture desiccants, fungicides, bacteriocides, bacteriostats, insecticides and insect repellents. Suitable pesticides include, for example, triazine herbicides; sulfonylurea herbicides; uracils; Urea herbicides; acetanilide herbicides; and organophosphonate herbicides such as glufosate salts and esters. Suitable fungicides include, for example, nitrile oxime fungicides; imidazole fungicides; triazole fungicides; sulfenamide fungicides; dithiocarbamate fungicides; chlorinated aromatic fungicides; and dichloro aniline fungicides. Suitable insecticides, include, for example, carbamate insecticides; organophosphate insecticides; and forgiven organic insecticides such as methoxychlor. Suitable miticides include, for example, propynyl sulfite; triazapentadiene miticides; chlorinated aromatic miticides such as tetradifan; and dinitrophenol miticides such as binapacryl. Other ingredients may include adjuvants, surfactants and fertilizers.

Soil additives: Synthetic polymers, Natural polymers In one embodiment, the volume and / or additives Surface additives comprise one or more synthetic polymers, natural polymers or derivatives thereof. Such polymers are not particularly limited and can be homopolymers, as well as random or block or any other type of copolymers made from any polymerizable monomer.

In one embodiment, the polymerizable monomers are typically water-soluble chargeable monomers having carboxyl groups, sulfonate groups, phosphonate groups and the like. In one embodiment, polymerizable monomers having one or more carboxylic groups include but are not limited to acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, sorbic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, cinnamic acid, its salts or the like, or an anhydride of them (maleic anhydride or the like).

The counterion of such polymerizable monomer salts includes any suitable counter ion including but not limited to alkyl ammonium, sodium, calcium, potassium, barium, lithium, magnesium, ammonium cation and the like.

The polymerizable monomers also include neutral monomers, typically soluble in water or monomers, such as radically polymerizable acrylates, methacrylates, acrylamides, methacrylamides, vinyl alcohol, allyl alcohols, vinyl acetates, vinyl monomers. containing betaine (including but not limited to carboxyl betaines and sulfobetaines) and other ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The polymers may also include component polymers from other polymerization techniques such as condensation, anionic polymerization, cationic polymerization, ring opening polymerization, coordination polymerization, metathesis polymerization, etc., as exemplified by poly (alkylene oxides) (including but not limited to poly (ethylene glycol), poly (propylene glycol) and polytetrahydrofuran), polyglycerol, polyamine, polyester, polyamide, derivatives of any of the foregoing and / or copolymers of the foregoing. Family of met (acrylamide): as (MethacrylamidoPropyltrimethylAmmonium MAPTAC chloride, allyl family such as (DiAlylDimethylAmonium Chloride) DADMAC, vinyl family: N-Vinylformamide (vinyl amine precursor) or Vinylbenzene chloride Trimethyl ammonium, Met family (acrylate ): as Trimethylammonium chloride ethyl methacrylate.

In an exemplary embodiment, the synthetic polymers include but are not limited to polyacrylamide, poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylic acid), polyacrylate, poly (ethylene glycol), copolymers terminated at the phosphonate end, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol ), polyglycerol, polytetrahydrofuran and polyamide. Polymers terminated at the phosphonate end, for example, they can be any of the polymers or copolymers described herein that contain a group at the terminus or groups at the terminus of phosphonate or phosphate termination.

In another embodiment, the surface additive or volume additive is a polymer according to the formula: where n is an integer from 1 to 1000; wherein Ri comprises one or more phosphonate groups, silicate groups, siloxane groups, phosphate groups, phosphinate groups or any combination thereof; R2-R3 may individually be hydrogen, or a branched, linear or cyclic C1-C6 hydrocarbon with or without heteroat- on; M + can be any suitable counterion or a hydrogen; wherein "D" is absent or represents a linear or branched C1-C5 hydrocarbon group, a C1-C5 alkoxy group, oxy (-0-), iminyl (-NH-), or substituted iminyl (-NR-) group ), wherein R is a C1-C6 alkyl, a C1-C6 alkoxy, a hydroxylalkyl of Ci-Ce, a alkoxyalkyl of Ci-C6 or a alkylalkoxy of C1-C6. In another modality, n is an integer from 1 to 5000. In another modality, n is an integer from 1 to 1000. In yet another modality, n is a whole number from 10 to 3000. In an additional mode, n is an integer from 40 to 750.

The surface additive and / or volume additive can be any suitable polysaccharide which includes but is not limited to galactomannan polymers, guar gum (washed or unwashed), guar derivative, starch, dextrins, chitin / chitosan, ligute compositions, cassia gum, tara tart, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan gum, karaya gum, gum arabic, hyaluronic acids, succinoglycan, pectin, crystalline polysaccharides, branched polysaccharides, cellulose, as well as other derivatives thereof such as ionic derivatives and / or non-ionic and other derivatives of any of the foregoing.

In one embodiment, the derivatized guar may include stop is not limited to guar of cationic hydroxpropyl, hydroxyalkyl guar, which includes hydroxyethyl guar (guar HE), hydroxypropyl guar (guar HP), guar of hydroxybutyl (guar HB) and guars of higher hydroxylalkyl, carboxylalkyl guars, including carboxymethyl guar (guar C), carboxylpropyl guar (guar CP), carboxybutyl guar (guar CB) and higher alkyl carboxy guars, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride or guar guar hydroxypropyl hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. For example, the Jaguar HP is a hydroxypropyl guar.

Cationization can be achieved: 1) by polymerization of monomers mentioned above and direct grafting in the polysaccharide chain. As PQ4 = Hydroxyethyl cellulose grafted with Poly (DADMAC) 2) when grafting one of the monomers cited in the above through the Michael reaction 3) by grafting reagents known to the skilled artisan: halides (Quatl 88, quab342), epoxides (quabl51), acid chloride, carboxylic acids or ester or anhydrides, amines each of those having a group reactive towards the polysaccharide and a cationic group (trialkyl ammonium such as trimethyl ammonium).

In a particular embodiment, the derivatized guars include but are not limited to carboxymethyl guar (guar CM uar), hydroxyethyl guar (guar HE), hydroxypropyl guar (guar HP), carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (guar of CMHP), cationic guar , hydrophobically modified guar (guar H), hydrophobically modified carboxymethyl guar (guar HMCM), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl guar (guar HMHE), hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar (guar HMHP), hydrophobically modified cationic hydroxypropyl guar (cationic HMHP guar) , guar of hydrophobically modified carboxymethylhydroxypropyl (guar HMCMHP) and hydrophobically modified cationic guar (cationic guar HM).

In the case of cationic hydrophobic guars or not hydrophobic modified, the cationic group is a quaternary ammonium group bearing three radicals, which may be identical or different, selected from hydrogen, an alkyl radical containing 1 to 22 carbon atoms, more particularly 1 to 14 and advantageously 1 to 3 atoms of carbon. The counterion is a halogen, which in one mode is chlorine.

In the case of cationic polysaccharide derivatives (eg, guar), the degree of hydroxyalkylation (molar substitution or MS) is between 0 and 1.2 in one mode, is between 0 and 1.7 in another mode, is between 0 and 2 in another mode modality, or is between 0 and 3 in another modality. The degree of substitution (DS) is in a modality between 0 and 3, typically between 0 and 2, more typically between 0.01 and 1, even more typically between 0.01 and 0.6.

Among the cationic guar derivatives that can be specifically mentioned are: Agrho ExPol 2 (guar of hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, DS = 0.05-0.15, weight average molecular weight (Mp) from 1 million to 2 million); Agrho ExPol 3 (guar of hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, DS = 0.05-0.15, weight average molecular weight (M) of 100,000 to 500,000); and Agrho ExPol 1 (Hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride hydroxypropyl guar, DS = 0.05-0.15, MS = 0.4-0.8, weight average molecular weight (Mo) from 1 million to 2 million). In one embodiment, the typical polysaccharides used are guar cationic or hydroxypropylated cationic guar powders.

Examples of suitable cellulose include but are not limited to hydroxy celluloses, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, including hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose ethers and other modified celluloses.

In a particular embodiment, the cellulose ethers include hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), water soluble ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (CM H EC), hydroxypropyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (HPHEC) ), methyl cellulose (MC), methylhydroxypropyl cellulose (MHPC), methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), carboxymethylmethyl cellulose (CMMC), hydrophobically modified carboxymethyl cellulose (HMCMC), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (HMHEC), hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl cellulose (HMHPC), Hydrophobically modified ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose (HMEHEC), Hydrophobically modified carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose (HMCMHEC), Hydrophobically modified hydroxypropylhydroxyethyl cellulose (HMHPHEC), Hydrophobically modified methyl cellulose (H MMC), Hydrophobically modified methylhydroxypropyl cellulose (HMMHPC) > hydrophobically modified methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (HMMHEC), hydrophobically modified carboxymethylmethyl cellulose (HMCMMC), cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) cationic) and hydrophobically modified cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (cationic HMHEC). The preferred cellulose ethers are carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose and cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose.

In the case of modified hydrophobic or non-hydrophobic cationic celluloses, the. Cationic group is a quaternary ammonium group bearing three radicals, which may be identical or different, selected from hydrogen and an alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more particularly 1 to 6 and advantageously 1 to 3 carbon atoms. The counterion is a halogen, which in one mode is chlorine.

Examples of suitable starch sources include but are not limited to corn, wheat, rice, potato, tapioca, waxy maize, sorghum, waxy sorghum, sago and modified starches. Examples of modified starches include dextrinated, hydrolyzed, oxidized, crosslinked, alkylated, hydroxyalkylated, acetylated, fractionated (for example amylose and amylopectin) and physically modified starches, including cationic starches, among others.

In one embodiment, the soil additive composition is comprised of any suitable natural polymer, synthetic polymer or combination thereof, as well as inorganic material, typically a porous inorganic material. Suitable inorganic materials include but are not limited to clays, diatoms, silicates, silica, carbonates, gypsum and any combination thereof. Such inorganic materials may be porous or non-porous and, in one embodiment, are used to increase the effectiveness of the volume additive or surface additive.

In one embodiment, the volume additive or surface additive is a polymer having a weight average molecular weight of between about 5,000 daltons and 500,000 daltons. In another embodiment, the soil additive is a polymer having a weight average molecular weight of between about 200,000 daltons and 1,000,000 daltons. In yet a further embodiment, the soil additive is a polymer having a weight average molecular weight of between about 500,000 daltons and 1,500,000 daltons. In another embodiment, the soil additive is a polymer having a weight average molecular weight of between about 800,000 daltons and 2,000,000 daltons. In another embodiment, the soil additive is a polymer having a weight average molecular weight of up to about 5,000,000 daltons. In another embodiment, the soil additive is a polymer having a weight average molecular weight of up to about 25,000,000 daltons. In a further embodiment, the soil additive is a polymer having a weight average molecular weight of up to about 50,000,000 daltons. In a particular embodiment, the surface additives described herein have a weight average molecular weight of less than about 1,000,000 daltons. In another particular embodiment, the surface additives described herein have a weight average molecular weight of between about 1,200,000 daltons and 1,900,000 daltons.

The polymers can also be crosslinked or non-crosslinked, or to some degree a combination of both. The crosslinking agents used may include but are not limited to copper compounds, magnesium compounds, borax, glyoxal, zirconium compounds, titanium compounds (e.g., titanium IV compounds such as titanium lactate, titanium malate, citrate) titanium, titanium ammonium lactate, titanium polyhydroxy complexes, titanium triethanolamine and titanium acetylacetonate), calcium compounds, aluminum compounds (such as, for example, aluminum lactate or aluminum citrate), p-benzoquinone , dicarboxylic acids and their salts, phosphite compounds and phosphate compounds. In another embodiment, the crosslinking agent is a chemical compound containing a polyvalent ion such as, but not necessarily limited to, boron or a metal such as chromium, iron, aluminum, titanium, antimony and zirconium or mixtures of polyvalent ions.

Surface additive or additive as a surfactant The surface additive and / or volume additive, in some modality can be a zwitterionic, anionic, nonionic, amphoteric or cationic surfactant. In one embodiment, the surface additive or volume additive is one or more cationic surfactants, which are ionic surfactant compounds that have a positive electrical charge associated with the hydrophilic portion of the surfactant. Suitable cationic surfactants can be selected from primary, secondary or tertiary fatty amine salts, optionally polyethoxylated, quaternary ammonium salts such as tetraalkylammonium chlorides or bromides, alkylamidoalkylammonium, trialkylbenzylammonium, trialkyl hydroxyalkylammonium or alkyl pyridinium, imidazoline derivatives and amine oxides of cationic nature.

In another embodiment, examples of suitable cationic surfactants include compounds according to formula (I) below; where: R1 R3 and R4 are each independently hydrogen, an organic group, a hydrocarbon group, with the proviso that at least one of Ri, R2, R3 and R4 is not hydrogen.

X "is an anion.

Suitable anions include, for example, chloride, bromide, methosulfate, ethosulfate, lactate, saccharinate, acetate or phosphate. If one to three of the groups Ri, R21 R3 and R4 are hydrogen, then the compound can be referred to as an amine salt. Some examples of cationic amine salts include (2) oleyl / polyethoxylated etheryl amine, ethoxylated tallow amine, cocoalkylamine, oleylamine and tallow alkyl amine.

For the quaternary ammonium compounds, i, R2 R3 and R4 can each be independently the same or different organic group, or alternatively, can be fused with another of the Rlt R2, R3 and R groups to form, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, a heterocyclic ring, but it can not be hydrogen. Suitable organic groups include, for example, alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl and aryl, each of which may be further substituted with other organic groups. Suitable quaternary ammonium compounds include monoalkyl amine derivatives, dialkyl amine derivatives and imidazoline derivatives.

Suitable monoalkyl amine derivatives include, for example, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (also known as CETAB or cetrimonium bromide), cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (also known as cetrimonium chloride), myristyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (also known as myrrimonium bromide or Quaternium-13), stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (also known as stearalkonium chloride), oleyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, (also known as ammonium chloride), olealconium), lauryl methanesulfate / miristril trimethyl ammonium (also known as cocotrimonium methosulfate), cetyl-dimethyl- (2) hydroxyethyl ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (also known as hydroxyethyl cetyldimonium phosphate), basuamidopropylconium chloride, cocotrimonium chloride, chloride of distearyldimonium, wheat germ chloride-amidopropalconium, stearyl octyldimonium methosulfate, isostearaminopropal-conium chloride, dihydroxypropyl linoleaminium chloride of PEG-5, stearmonium chloride of PEG-2, Quaternium 18, Quaternium 80, Quaternium 82, Quaternium 84 , behentrimonium chloride, dicetyl dimonium chloride, behentrimonium methosulfate, tributyl chloride and behenamidopropyl ethyl dimonium tosuldate.

Suitable dialkyl amine derivatives include, for example, distearyldimonium chloride, dicetyl dimonium chloride, stearyl octyldimonium methosulfate, dihydrogenated palmoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, dipalmitolethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, dioleoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, hydroxypropyl bistearildimonium chloride, and mixtures thereof. .

Suitable imidazoline derivatives include, for example, isostearyl benzyl imidonium chloride, cocoyl benzyl hydroxyethyl imidazolinium chloride, cocoyl hydroxyethyl imidazolinium chloride phosphate of PG, Quaternium 32 and stearyl hydroxyethylimidonium chloride and mixtures thereof.

Method to create polymers There are several production processes to make the polymers, that is, volume and surface additives. Methods for making suitable synthetic polymers are documented in U.S. Patent No. 5,202,400. The polymer can be made from radical polymerization, condensation, anionic polymerization, cationic polymerization, open ring polymerization, coordination polymerization and metathesis polymerization and the like. Examples of suitable radical polymerization processes include but are not limited to solution polymerization process, emulsion polymerization process, suspension polymerization process, reverse phase suspension polymerization process, thin film polymerization process and process dew polymerization and the like. The particle size can be controlled by administering certain polymerization conditions and / or after the spraying process. The methods to elaborate derivatives of Suitable natural polymers are also generally known in the art. The crosslinking process of polysaccharides are described in the North American Publication No. 20030027787 and the North American Patent No. 5,532,350.

And emplos Experiment - Effect of Surface and / or volume additive Generally, a soil sample is treated with a soil additive (volume or surface treatment) and then placed in a container (petri dish or plastic container) on the top of a scale. In some cases, to speed up the process. evaporation, the treated soil is exposed to a nearby fan and lamp (e.g., 100 W) to ensure a constant heated temperature on the floor surface of about 30 ° C to about 60 ° C. Typically, the floor surface is maintained at a constant heated temperature of about 35 ° C to about 45 ° C. Weight loss during a certain period of time can be recorded by manual or automatic registration with the help of a computer.

The sample preparation for volume treatment is generally as follows: 1. introduce the volume additive with the soil sample; 2. mix the sample of treated soil when shaking or mixing (for example, with a spoon); 3. Transfer the sample of treated soil to a semi-permeable fabric or bag; 4. soaking the tissue bag in a soaking box for 30 minutes until approximately saturation; 5. remove the tissue bag from the soaked box and allow excess water to drip out of the tissue bag; and 6. Transfer the sample of saturated treated soil from the tissue bag to the petri dish and measure the loss of water as a function of time as explained in the above (evaporation rates are calculated from the kinetic data of water loss. ).

The sample preparation for the surface treatment is generally as follows: 1. spraying an aqueous mixture of the surface additive into the soil sample, which is contained in a vessel having holes or perforation in or around the bottom portion, such that the surface additive forms an upper layer; 2. place the bottom portion of the container in a soaker box for approximately 30 minutes until approximately saturation; 3. remove the container from the soaking box and allow excess water to drip out of the container; Y 4. measure the loss of water as a function of time as explained in the previous (the evaporation rate is they calculate from the kinetic data of water loss).

An aqueous solution at 0.1% by weight was sprayed on the surface of a soil sample. When a real clay soil from Shaanxi Province (China) is sprayed for 4 seconds with an aqueous solution of Jaguar S (washed unmodified guar gum, Rhodia Inc.) at 0.1% by weight, the water evaporation kinetics become slow by 30%. With reference to Fig. 1, the impact of the spray time on the evaporation kinetics is illustrated. As shown in Fig. 1, the soil without surface treatment showed shorter period of time in which it retained the water content in relation to the treated soil of the surface. The volume at 0.4% shown retained the water content of the largest relative time.

It is desirable for the mixture to be applied by spray to the soil (before, during or after harvesting). In the form of dew, pesticides, fertilizers, other active / adjuvants can be introduced and applied equally. A spray time of 4 seconds is used, in one mode, as the optimum efficiency is achieved in terms of retarding the water evaporation kinetics. As can be seen from Fig. 2, a 30% improvement is obtained when these conditions are applied to the soil (threshold: 1% by weight of water remaining). If the evaporation time is measured at a threshold of 0.1% by weight of remaining water, 40% of improvement is obtained. At the temperature and wind conditions in the laboratory (surface temperature = 45 ° C, smooth wind circulation on the ground surface) the total amount of water that evaporates in one day is 4.25 cm of water (evaporation rate total 4.25 cm / day equivalent to regions of very hot temperature condition). After application of Jaguar S solution (0.1% by weight), the total evaporation rate is 3.35 cm / day (improvement of around 20%). The use in the surface additive (Jaguar S) per hectare (Ha) following the application of surface treatment is approximately 50 Kg (cost of approximately 50 USD / Ha) in line with the requirements of agriculture and farms.

With regard to volume treatment of soils with volume additives, the top of 0-20 cm of the soil are mixed homogeneously with one or more of the volume additives. The application and mixing of the additive with the soil is in a modality that is carried out by introducing the additive in solid form (powder or granules). The additive can be introduced before sowing the soil and / or can be introduced together with fertilizers and other active ingredients. Typical concentrations of additives that could be introduced vary in the range of 10-4 to 0.5% by weight.

With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, Jaguar S shows which is capable of retarding evaporation kinetics by almost a factor of 3 when 0.4% by weight of guar (Jaguar S) is introduced into the soil. Fig. 3 compares the volume treatment (using the volume additive) with the surface treatment (using the surface additive) on the untreated Shanxi soil. The various additives for the experiments conducted in the present were: Polyethylene Oxide (PEO, Mp = 20,000 g / mol); Polyethylene oxide (PEO, Mp-1,000 g / mol); Aquarite ESL (Rhodia, polymer terminated at the Phosphonate end); Starch (commercial flour from Shanghai supermarket); Jaguar S (from Rhodia); Agrho ExPol 1 (hydroxypropyl chloride hydroxypropyl guar); Polyacrylate (PAA, Mp = 1,000,000 g / mol, trade name: KL-300, supplier Chínese); Polyacrylate (PAA, Mp = 3, 000, 000 g / mol, trade name: L-120B, supplier Chínese).

As explained in the above, in the initial water absorption, the volume additives help to absorb and retain more water in the soil as compared to the untreated soil without additive. The additives act as sponges and prevent water from draining. The graph as shown in Fig. 5 illustrates the gain in water initially absorbed in the soil by different additives. All of these additives are used under the same conditions at 0.4% by weight in the Shaanxi Wash soil. It is noted that Jaguar S shows water retention of around 25% as compared to untreated soil. With reference to Fig. 6, in unwashed soils, high molecular weight PAANa (KL-120B) performed better than Jaguar S.

As explained in the above, it is believed that a second factor in relation to the increase of the evaporation time of the soils (ie, increased water adsorption) is due to the change of the internal structure of the solids, where the humidity in the soil it is bad or it is thrown to the surface (ie, frontal evaporation) and it gets lost by evaporation. The additives can plug some of the pores in the soil, and therefore can delay the transport of water towards frontal evaporation. In the following figures the inventors show unmodified and modified guars that are capable of reducing evaporation in washed floors and in unwashed soils with respect to this second factor, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

With reference to Fig. 9, Fig. 9 is a graph illustrating the stability or water resistance of Jaguar S (washed unmodified guar gum) used as a surface additive. It has surprisingly been found that guar gums have interesting water retention properties. Such additives when sprayed on the surface of a directed soil area only loses minimally water holding capacity after several cycles. In addition, the layer formed by the additives is not intended for physical degradability, where the polymer dissolves in water destabilizing the semi-permeable layer after successive rain and drying cycles. In this way a semi-permeable top layer that is highly stable or highly stable to physical degradation can be formed on a targeted floor area. The Jaguar S is shown in Fig. 9 to support the different rain / drying cycles and has shown that the semi-permeable (film) layer is stable up to six cycles (clean water).

Experiment - effect of the surface additive at the germination rate The sample preparation for surface treatment is generally as follows by 1-, 2- and 3- round campaign experiments: 1: Put the seed on the dry soil under the surface of lmm. 2: Spray aqueous polymer solution (with a polymer such as Agrho ExPol 1) on the surface of the soil 3: Soak the container in water (30 minutes) 4: Filter the excess water 5: Put the container in the greenhouse and start planting The sample preparation for the treatment of surface is generally as follows by the 4- round of campaign experiments: 1: Soak dry soil in water (30 minutes) 2: Filter excess water 3: Put the seed in the moist soil under the surface of lmm. 4: Spray the solution of the aqueous polymer (with a polymer such as Agrho ExPol 1) on the surface of the soil 5: Put the container in natural condition (sunlight and room temperature and start planting) With reference to FIG. 10, the graph illustrates spraying an aqueous solution at 0.4% by weight of surface additive on the surface of the soil in which the seeds were positioned at a depth of 1 mm inside the soil. The water conditions were as follows: - lOmL of water every day for all samples in three protocols.

- Five containers were used in each protocol and 110 g of soil in each container.

- This study was carried out free of fertilizer to make the model sample, only including soil, water, seed and additive (required in some samples).

- The seeds were not exceptionally placed below the surface of the soil. - the temperature in the greenhouse was maintained at 25 degrees C.

Under the procedure described above, it is observed that Agrho ExPol 1 (cationic guar) carries faster germination kinetics and higher final germination rate to the Brassica chinensis seed as compared to the control sample (which contained additive not from floor) . The soil used in this test comes from ShanXi province and belongs to the type of clay soil. In the first 10 days, Brassica chinensis seeds germinate with different kinetics. The sample with a surface spray of 12.5mL of Agrho ExPol 1 in aqueous solution (Agrho ExPol 1 (1), 0.05g of Agrho ExPol 1 in aqueous solution) shows the fastest germination kinetics that indicate that the additive Agrho ExPol 1 is able to increase the germination potential of the Brassica chinensis seed. The stimulating performance of the seeding is also dependent on the additive concentrations. If the dosage is raised a higher time (Agrho ExPol 1 (2), 0.1 g of Agrho ExPol 1 in aqueous solution), the performance is higher even than the control soil but lower than the Agrho ExPol 1 sample ( 1) . Agrho ExPol 1 (1) and Agrho ExPol 1 (2) can give 70% and 50% final germination rate respectively while the control soil gives only 35% proportion. The surface area of the floor is approximately 30 cm2, corresponding to approximate dosages of approximately 150 and approximately 300 kg per hectare for Agrho ExPol 1 (1) and Agrho ExPol 1 (2), respectively.

Germination tests were carried out under a sufficient water condition which is 10mL of water per day to exclude the influence of water scarcity on germination. Once the crop germinates faster, it can grow faster. In the 102 days, it was observed that the treated samples, Agrho ExPol 1 (1) and Agrho ExPol 1 (2), grow taller and appear healthy.

With reference to Fig. 11, the number of sprouted crops (Chinese cabbage) in the first week is plotted as a function of days by different protocols.

Water conditions: - lOmL of water every day for all samples in three protocols.

- Five containers were used in each protocol and 50g of soil in each container.

- The dosage of additives is approximately 150kg / ha to approximately 175kg / ha.

- The seeds were not exceptionally placed below the surface of the soil.

- The temperature in the greenhouse is 25 degrees.

Referring again to Fig. 11, it is observed that the cationic guar, such as Agrho ExPol 1 and Agrho ExPol 2, as well as Agrho ExPol 3, showed an increase in germination kinetics and germination rates as compared to the control and non-cationic or non-derivative guars such as Jaguar HP and Jaguar S, respectively.

With reference to Figs. 12-14, the performance of the increased germination rate (ie, sowing booster) of Agrho ExPol 1 was also tested under different water conditions. Water condition 2 (WC2) provides 25mL of water every 3 days. Water condition 3 (WC3) provides 25ml of water every 4 days. The water condition 4 (WC4) provides 25ml of water every 5 days. From Figs. 12-14, Agrho ExPol 1 is able to promote seed germination kinetics and final germination percentage in all water conditions as compared to the control. In the condition of sufficient water, it is believed that the additive acts as a stimulator for the seed. In the hard water condition, the additive can retain water in the soil by reducing the rate of evaporation and also by stimulating the seed to germinate.

With reference to Fig. 15, the number of sprouted crops (Chinese cabbage) is plotted as a function of days by a fourth round of the experiment. Two treatments are control floor of ShanXi, surface spray 0.04g of Agrho ExPol 1. The dosage is approximately 10kg / ha. Watering conditions: lOmL of water every day for all samples in three protocols. - 45 seeds were used in each treatment.

- Three containers were used in each treatment and 100g of soil in each container.

- This study was carried out free of fertilizer. Seeds were placed not exceptionally 1 mm below the soil surface.

- This test was conducted under natural condition (natural light and room temperature ~ 20C). (He used different batches of seed from the seed related to Fig. 10).

Referring again to Fig. 15, it is observed that Agrho ExPol 1 (cationic guar) under natural conditions (as compared to Fig. 10 under greenhouse conditions) carries the fastest germination kinetics and the final germination rate more high to the Brassica chinensis seed as compared to the control sample (which contained non-soil additive).

It is understood that the different modalities from those expressly described herein fall within the spirit and scope of the present claims. Accordingly, the invention described herein is not defined by the above description, but will be consistent with the full scope of the claims to encompass any and all equivalent compositions and methods.

Claims

1. A method for decreasing the evaporation of soil water, the method characterized in that it comprises; introduce a volume additive to a targeted floor area; Y contacting a top layer of the targeted soil area with a surface additive.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of introducing the volume additive to a targeted soil area comprises applying the volume additive to the surface of the targeted soil area, then mixing the volume additive into the surface area of the soil. floor directed to a predetermined depth.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of introducing the volume additive into a directed soil area comprises: preparing a mixture comprising the volume additive and a pre-mix floor and then contacting the mixture with the targeted floor area.

. The method in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the soil is selected from the group consisting of clay soil, sandy soil, silty soil, peat soil, clay soil, limestone soil and any combination thereof.

5. The method in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the soil is clay soil.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the soil is soil represented by a mean particle diameter (D50) of less than or equal to about 50 μ? or 25 μ ?? or 5 pm.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that contacting the top layer of the ground comprises spraying an aqueous mixture comprising the surface additive on the ground.

8. The method in accordance with the claim 7, characterized in that the aqueous mixture further comprises an adjuvant, surfactant, fertilizer, pesticide or a combination of any of the foregoing.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume additive is in a semi-dry form.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume additive is selected from the group consisting of unwashed guar gum, washed guar gum, polyacrylamide, poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylic acid), polyacrylate, poly (ethylene glycol) ), polymers terminated at the end of phosphonate, polyethylene oxide, poly (vinyl alcohol), polyglycerol, polytetrahydrofuran, polyamide, a derivative of any of the foregoing and a combination of any of the foregoing.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume additive is poly (acrylic acid).

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface additive is selected from polyacrylamide, poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylic acid), polyacrylate, poly (ethylene glycol), polymers terminated at the phosphonate end, polyethylene oxide , polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycerol, polytetrahydrofuran, polyamide, guar, unwashed guar gum, washed guar gum, cationic guar, carboxymethyl guar (guar CM), hydroxyethyl guar (guar HE), hydroxypropyl guar (guar HP) , carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar (guar CMHP), cationic guar, hydrophobically modified guar (guar HM), hydrophobically modified carboxymethyl guar (guar HMCM), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl guar (guar HMHE), hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar (guar HMHP), hydrophobically modified cationic hydroxypropyl guar (cationic HMHP guar), hydrophobically modified carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (guar HMC) MHP), cationic hydrophobically modified guar (cationic guar HM), guar of hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, hydroxypropyl guar of hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, starch, corn, wheat, rice, potato, tapioca, waxy corn, sorghum, waxy sargo, sago , dextrin, chitin, chitosan, compositions of alginate, xanthan gum, carrageenan gum, karaya gum, gum arabic, pectin, cellulose, hydroxycellulose, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose, cationic starch, a derivative of any of the foregoing or a combination of any of the above.

13. A method to increase the yield of the plant or crop by decreasing the evaporation of water from the soil, the method characterized in that it comprises contacting an upper layer of a directed soil area with a surface additive, whereby the surface additive forms a layer in the directed floor area.

14. A method for improving the germination rate of a plant or crop, characterized in that it comprises contacting a top layer of a targeted soil area with a surface additive, whereby the surface additive forms a layer in the soil area directed.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the soil is selected from the group consisting of clay soil, sandy soil, silty soil, peat soil, clayey soil, limestone soil and any combination thereof.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the floor is ground represented by a mean particle diameter (D50) of less than or equal to about 50 μp ?, or less than or equal to about 25 μ? t ?, or less than or equal to about 5 and m.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that contacting the upper layer of the ground comprises spraying an aqueous mixture containing the surface additive on the ground.

18. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the aqueous mixture further comprises an adjuvant, surfactant, fertilizer, pesticide or combination of any of the foregoing.

19. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the surface additive is selected from polyacrylamide, poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylic acid), polyacrylate, poly (ethylene glycol), polymers terminated at the phosphonate end, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycerol, polytetrahydrofuran, polyamide, guar, unwashed guar gum, washed guar gum, cationic guar, carboxymethyl guar (guar CM), hydroxyethyl guar (guar HE), hydroxypropyl guar (guar HP) ), carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (guar CMHP), cationic guar, hydrophobically modified guar (guar HM), hydrophobically modified carboxymethyl guar (guar HMCM), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl guar (guar HMHE), hydrophobically modified hydroxyprop guar (guar HMHP), hydrophobically modified cationic hydroxypropyl guar (cationic HMHP guar), hydrophobically modified carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (guar HMCMHP), hydrophobically modified cationic guar (cationic guar HM), hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride guar, hydroxypropyl chloride hydroxypropyl trimonium, starch, corn, wheat, rice, potato, tapioca, waxy corn, sorghum, waxy bream, sago, dextrin, chitin, chitosan, alginate compositions, xanthan gum, carrageenan gum, karaya gum, gum arabic, pectin , cellulose, hydroxy-cellulose, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cationic starch, cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose, a derivative of any of the foregoing or a combination of any of the foregoing.

20. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that contacting an upper layer of a directed soil area with a surface additive occurs before or during stressed conditions with water, wherein conditions stressed with water mean that the area of directed soil is watered with less than 8mm of water for at least a period of 3 days, during at least a period of 4 days, during at least a period of 5 days, during at least a period of 7 days , or for at least a period of 10 days.

21. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises contacting a seed with or within the directed soil area.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the seed is of the species or subspecies selected from the group consisting of Brassica rapa, Brassica chinensis and Brassica pekinensis.

23. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the surface additive comprises a cationic surfactant.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the cationic surfactant is a compound according to formula (I) below: wherein Ri, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently the same or a different organic group; and where X "is an anion.

25. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the cationic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, myristyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl dimethyl benzyl chloride ammonium, oleyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, lauryl methylsulfate / trimethylammonium myristulfate, cetyl-dimethyl- (2) hydroxyethyl ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, basuamido-propylconium chloride, cocotrimonium chloride, distearyldimonium chloride, wheat germ chloride- amidopropal-conium, stearyl octyldimonium methosulfate, isostearaminopropal-conium chloride, dihydroxypropyl linoleamino chloride of PEG-5, stearmonium chloride of PEG-2, Quaternium 18, Quaternium 80, Quaternium 82, Quaternium 84, behentrimonium chloride, chloride of dicetyl dimonium, behentrimonium methosulfate, trimonium bacillus chloride, behenamidopropyl ethyl dimonium ethosulfate, distearyldimonium chloride, dicetyl dimonium chloride, stearyl octyldimonium methosulfate, dihydrogenated palmoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, dipalmitoyl ethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, dioleoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate , hydroxypropyl bis-stearyl-dimonium chloride, isostearyl-benzylimethyl chloride donio, cocoyl benzyl hydroxyethyl imidazolinium chloride, cocoyl hydroxyethyl imidazolinium chloride phosphate of PG, Quaternium 32, stearyl hydroxyethyl imidonium chloride and any combination thereof.

26. A method to improve the germination rates of agricultural or horticultural yield by decreasing the evaporation of water from a targeted soil area, the method characterized because it comprises: i) mixing in a targeted soil area a volume additive selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide, poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylic acid), polyacrylate, poly (ethylene glycol), polymers terminated at the phosphonate end, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycerol, polytetrahydrofuran, polyamide, unwashed guar gum, washed guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, carboxymethyl guar gum, carboxy ethylhydroxy-propyl guar gum, starch, corn, wheat, rice, potatoes, tapioca, waxy maize, sorghum, waxy bream, sago, dextrin, chitin, chitosan, alginate compositions, xanthan gum, carrageenan gum, karaya gum, gum arabic, pectin, cellulose, hydroxycellulose, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, a derivative of any of the foregoing and a combination of any of the foregoing; Y ii) spraying an aqueous mixture containing a surface additive onto an upper layer of the targeted floor area, the surface additive selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide, poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylic acid), polyacrylate, poly ( ethylene glycol), polymers terminated at the end of phosphonate, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycerol, polytetrahydrofuran, polyamide, guar, unwashed guar gum, washed guar gum, cationic guar, carboxymethyl guar (guar CM), hydroxyethyl guar (guar HE), hydroxypropyl guar (guar HP), carboxymethylhydroxy-propyl guar (guar C HP), cationic guar, hydrophobically modified guar (guar HM), hydrophobically modified carboxymethyl guar (guar HMCM), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl guar (guar HMHE) , hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar (guar H HP), hydrophobically modified cationic hydroxypropyl guar (cationic HMHP guar), hydrophobically modified carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (guar HMCMHP), hydrophobically modified cationic guar (cationic guar HM), hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride guar , Hydroxypropyl hydroxypropyl chloride guar, starch, corn, wheat, rice, potato, tapioca, waxy corn, sorghum, waxy sargo, sago, dextrin, chitin, chitosan, alginate compositions, xanthan gum, carrageenan gum, karaya gum, gum arabic, pectin, cellulose, hydroxycellulose, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, a derivative of any of the foregoing and any combination of any of the foregoing.

27. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume additive is a polymer according to the formula where n is an integer from 1 to 1000; wherein Ri comprises at least one phosphonate group, silicate group, siloxane group, phosphate group, phosphinate group or any combination thereof; R? or R3 are each independently a hydrogen, or a branched, linear or cyclic Ci-C6 hydrocarbon with or without heteroatom; M + is a counter ion or hydrogen; where "D" is absent, a straight or branched C1-C5 hydrocarbon group, a C1-C5 alkoxy group, oxy (-0-), iminyl (-NH-), or substituted iminyl (-NR-) group , wherein R is a C1-C6 alkyl, an alkoxy of Ci-Cs, a hydroxylalkyl of C1-C6, a alkoxyalkyl of Ci-C6 or an alkylalkoxy of Ci-C ^.

28. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the seed is selected from the group consisting of crop seeds, cereal seeds, ornamental seeds, vegetable seeds, grass seeds, grass seeds, horticultural seeds, non-crop seed and any combination thereof.

29. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the seed is from a culture or vegetable selected from corn, wheat, sorghum, soybean, tomato, cauliflower, radish, cabbage, cañola, lettuce, rye grass, grass, rice, cotton or sunflower.

30. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the seed is selected from the group consisting of corn, Brassica sp., Alfalfa, rice, rye, sorghum, millet, prick millet, foxtail millet, finger millet, sunflower, safflower , wheat, soy, tobacco, potatoes, peanuts, cotton, sweet potatoes, cassava, coffee, coconut, pineapple, citrus trees, cocoa, tea, banana, avocado, fig, guava, mango, olive, papaya, cashew, macadamia, almond , sugar beet, sugar cane, oats, barley, vegetables, ornamental, woody plants, pumpkin, zucchini, hemp, zucchini, apple, pear, quince, melon, plum, cherry, peach, nectarine, apricot, strawberry, grape, raspberry , blackberry, soybean, sorghum, sugarcane, rapeseed, clover, carrot, tomatoes, lettuce, green beans, lima bean, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, radish, spinach, asparagus, onion, garlic, chilli, celery, cucumber , cantaloupe, melon, musk musk, hydrangeas, hibiscus, petunias, roses , azalea, tulips, daffodils, carnation, pomsettia, chrysanthemum, taeda pine, inclined pine, ponderosa pine, twisted pine, monterrey pine, Douglas-fir, Western hemlock, spruce Sitka, red wood, white fir, balsam fir, red cedar from the west, yellow Alaskan cedar, beans, peas, guar, carob, fenugreek, soybeans, beans, cowpeas, mung beans, lima bean, fava beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, bean moths, green beans, beans, lentils, dried beans, Arachis, peanuts, vetch, vetch crown, velor vellosa , adzuki bean, mung bean, chickpea, lupinus, pisum, elilotus, Medicago, lotus, lentil, false indigo, grass, ball grass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, agrostis, alfalfa, meadowsweet, speciesantesantes, lotononis bainessii, pipirigallo and any combination thereof.